Here then, is my detailed account of the project from start to finish, from the perspective of what it entailed for Cynthia Fisher, mosaic artist:
This endeavor stemmed from my desire to create public art that can be enjoyed here where I reside. Beginning in June 2009, the idea first gained the support of town selectpersons and business leaders. My proposal included being responsible for acquiring the funds through grant writing, a new undertaking for me, and an incredibly time consuming one. The Shelburne Falls Area Civic Beautification Association, a local organization of dedicated volunteers, became my 501 C-3 status organization affiliate, enabling me to apply for grants for non- profit organizations. The final total project budget was $35,652; $23,050 was the final sum raised, the shortfall being my ‘donation’ to the project. Fundraising was one of the most challenging aspects of the entire project, one I am in no rush to take on again! I am indebted to the following organizations:
Ella Lyman Cabot Trust Highland Communities Initiative, a program of The Trustees of Reservations Xeric Foundation Transcanada Community Foundation Local Cultural Council Grants:Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont, Conway, Plainfield, Shelburne Greenfield Savings Bank
In laying the groundwork for the project, numerous logistics had to be considered. Enlisting the support and involvement of school officials, teachers, community leaders, and building owners, figuring a timetable, ordering supplies and materials, reapplying for a second round of grants when a few of the major hoped for grants were not received; this preparatory stage took place through the end of 2009 and into early 2010.
The educational aspects of the project were very important to me. To this end, I did extensive research on the history of our area and prepared a Powerpoint presentation for third grade students in the school district. Third graders have a curriculum unit on their local area, and so the task of deciding content for the 10 hill town mosaics was theirs. I designed all the panels based on these ideas, the challenge being to have each town come across as fresh and original even though the area towns share comparable topography and a similar rural aspect. Students in grades 3 – 6 assembled the mosaic murals, laying and nipping mosaic glass tile in the indirect method. Art students at Mohawk Middle School and Mohawk High School completed the mosaics. I am grateful for the in-class assistance of Lee Oldenburg, without whom the school portion of the project would have been extremely daunting.
Work bees were held at the Shelburne Senior Center where the 2 larger mosaic panels were assembled by community volunteers.
Students at Franklin County Technical School fabricated the steel frames for the mosaics. The simple yet elegant and functional design compliments the mosaics well. My generous husband Marcus, and I installed the 12 murals on the outsides of buildings in Shelburne Falls in October, 2010. Thanks also to all the building owners that are participating in the project!
A true signature statement for Shelburne Falls, the mosaics are the first permanent public artworks in our town. They are being very well received by residents and visitors alike.
